Shaped Souls
“Write down for the coming generation what the Lord has done,
so that people not yet born will praise him.”
Who among you remembers the Rick Warren classic: The Purpose-Driven Life?
It's a guess, but I'd be willing to wager that book shaped a generation or two. Many in my generation (boomer) experienced discipleship (in part) by identifying spiritual gifts. Once we did, our pastors, elders, and mentors helped guide us to a place of ministry.
We had inventories to identify spiritual gifts, but finding a place of ministry—not so easy. “Ministry” meant a spiritual professional, like a pastor or missionary. Parents qualified, and those who worked in some role in the church itself (secretary, nursery, ushering, hospitality, etc.). But there weren’t enough roles for everyone in local churches, and the rest of us were sent to live out our vocations in the home, the military, or secular work.
The lines between vocation and ministry blurred. From the Builder generation to us boomers, the line translated to "make yourself useful." But we wanted to be more than useful—we wanted meaning. This perplexed the builders. They never had the luxury of choosing meaningful work—they were too busy surviving the Depression, World War II, the Korean War, culture wars, and random epidemics. Meanwhile, we arrived with our existential, “What is the meaning of life?” and its corollary, “Who am I?”
One of us, Rick Warren, cracked the code. He came along with his inventory: the Purpose-Driven Life, which addressed boomer angst. He described our “shape.” You might remember the acrostic:
+ Spiritual gifts
+ Heart
+ Abilities
+ Personality
+ Experience
Pastor Warren’s book launched us into new categories. And off we went, charging windmills in the world. Some of us figured out our identity, calls, and vocation on the way, but not everyone. It took me to my fifth decade.
Now we watch another generation step up. With its own existential crisis and a sound rejection of boomer whatevers, they ask questions that perplex us. I’m waiting for God to send along someone from their generation, as he did for ours—to replace our past solutions to 21st C. chaos. To answer the existential questions of identity and purpose. Because the world has changed and is beating them up now.
The millennials still need us, as much as we needed the builders to survive the ‘60’s chaos. I won't outlive some of the present crises, but the next generation will, and the ones following them. How can I help my people weather the storms and respond well?
Boomers, how can you help?
Young moms, how do you shape your child's soul?
How do we all shape souls?
The Hero’s Journey
The Mythic Monastery strives to answer this question through the structure of the Hero’s Journey. Like a trellis for a vine, it reaches the heart through modern-day parables such as The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Harry Potter.
My writing, mentoring, international network, and plain-old spiritual friendship make up a large part of my ministry. It’s not enough, but it’s my five loaves and two fish. What have you got, Boomer? Find your place of ministry, and it will be enough.
One issue that constantly surfaces in my world is identity, perhaps because I work among creatives. In light of that, here’s a quick cheat sheet I use to remind myself and others how to answer the question, “Who am I?” Chaos fogs the brain, and Satan delights to sow wicked thought seeds. For those in Christ, we start with, “I am Christ’s. The Father has adopted me. I am chosen and selected.” May this list remind you.
Onward!